Surrey Welcomes Back Major Female Hockey Festival
Surrey is set to welcome the Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival once again, as the popular youth hockey tournament returns to the city from Jan. 23 to 25. Games will be played across three venues: North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex, Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, and, for the first time, Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex.
The annual event draws elite female youth hockey teams from across Canada and the United States, positioning Surrey as a key hub for women’s and girls’ sport development.
Record Participation Marks 2026 Tournament
This year’s festival will be the largest yet, with a record 80 teams registered to compete. The growth reflects rising interest in female hockey and the expanding reach of the tournament, which is recognized as one of North America’s top youth events for girls in the sport.
All matches are open to the public, allowing residents and visitors to watch high-level competition throughout the weekend. Full schedules and event details are available through the tournament’s official website.
City Support Helps Event Grow
Mayor Brenda Locke said the city is proud to host the festival again, pointing to its impact on youth, sport development, and community pride. The event is supported by a $15,000 City of Surrey sport tourism grant, which helps cover operational costs and supports its continued expansion.
City officials say WickFest aligns closely with Surrey’s broader goals of promoting youth engagement, leadership, and opportunities for young athletes.
Founder Highlights Opportunity for Young Players
Tournament founder Hayley Wickenheiser, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, said returning to Surrey provides the space and support needed to grow the event while reaching new participants. She emphasized the importance of giving young girls the chance to experience hockey in an inclusive and high-energy environment.
This year also marks the first time games will be hosted at the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex, expanding the tournament’s footprint across the city.
Local Hockey Association Plays Key Role
The Surrey Female Hockey Association is once again serving as the local host. Its president, Lara Nedila, said hosting WickFest brings international-level inspiration directly to local players and strengthens the association’s commitment to athlete development.
She added that exposure to elite competition and hockey role models leaves a lasting impact on players and supports growth within the local hockey community year-round.
Sport Tourism Brings Economic Impact
WickFest is part of Surrey’s wider Sport Tourism Strategy, which aims to position the city as a leader in hosting major sporting events. In the past year alone, 36 large events brought athletes and visitors to Surrey, generating an estimated $31.6 million in economic activity.
City officials say events like WickFest help drive tourism, support local businesses, and reinforce Surrey’s reputation as a destination for sport and youth development.
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